Foreign Secretary-designate Chokila Iyer, takes over from Lalit Mansingh when the latter retires from the Indian Foreign Service and leaves as ambassador to the United States in March.

Born in Darjeeling, Iyer joined the IFS in 1964 and was India's high commissioner in Ireland before she was appointed the nation's first woman foreign secretary.

Iyer -- who has done stints in Berne, Mahe, Mexico -- says though she is pleased with her achievement, her being a woman is not central to the issue.

In an e-mail interview with Associate Editor Ramananda Sengupta, the next ForSec speaks about the influences in her life, her past assignments and the changes in South Block in her 36-year-long career.

How does it feel to go down as the first woman foreign secretary?

Well, whether a woman or a man, anybody I'm sure, would feel happy at being appointed head of the service which one joined. I suppose I had the same feeling of achievement as any officer would have in my position. That I happen to be a woman is not central to the issue; but it can't be forgotten either.

I am, of course, pleased, that I have been credited with having been the battering ram or should I say battering ewe -- that breached the glass ceiling. Though I must say it had to happen one day and the ewe happened to me -- the coalescing person, place and time. That is all! I am against too much being made or read into it.

Let me add, that it is not the first occasion that a lady has become secretary in a ministry. There have been others in other ministries, and very fine and successful ones. I am happy that the external affairs ministry too will now be counted amongst them.

Was the appointment expected, or did it come as a surprise?

To both, I suppose the answer is no and yes. I can't say that it came totally out of the blue as I was very much in the zone from which officers were to be considered for this post. But there is no question of expecting an appointment that is selection-dependent. The surprise element is there when it happens.

All I can say is I am pleased and honoured that the selection process has chosen to entrust me to head the ministry and the service that I joined some 36 years ago. I look forward to discharging this trust to the best of my ability and hopefully equal the watermark of the achievements of my distinguished predecessors.

What were your major challenges as high commissioner to Ireland?

India and Ireland have maintained close and friendly relations pre-dating our independence. Leading lights of the two countries' independence movements drew inspiration from each other providing a unique foundation for our bilateral relationship.

However, this historical bonding and mutual respect had to be given a fresh impetus. There was, I felt a deficit -- if I may use the word -- in interaction and dialogue at the highest levels. Also, our bilateral trade and investment linkages were much less than what could be achieved given the respective human resource and economic potentials of the two countries. These have been addressed during my tenure.

The deputy prime minister of Ireland led a very successful high level business delegation to India which has had a positive impact on our bilateral relations. President Narayanan is to make a state visit this year that will increase India's visibility. Ireland has now begun sourcing our abundant manpower in knowledge based skills -- IT, medicine, nursing etc. Visa regime for people with these specialised skills have not only been liberalised but conditions for families joining them have been relaxed. A Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement has also been signed between the two countries recently.

All these have led to a significant increases in trade and people to people contact. A healthy fillip has been given to strengthening Indo-Irish ties, yet, a tremendous scope exists for further boosting trade and economic co-operation between India and Ireland.

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

I would think it was my mother. I was the youngest in a large family and my father expired while I was very young. It was my mother who had to work really hard to educate and bring us up; and she did a great job. I can never forget her grit and sacrifice for us and for the extended family she looked after.

If you were not an IFS officer, what would you have preferred to become?

I come from a family of people who worked for the government -- my father, brothers, sisters and cousins. So right from the outset I had my eyes set on the civil service -- especially as I could not join any professional courses given the lengthy years of study these called for. When I passed the civil service exam, till the time of joining I was not sure if I would join the foreign service. I suppose if I had not opted for the IFS I would have been in some other branch of the civil service. I was always a civil service person in keeping with the family tradition!

What kind of influence did growing up in Darjeeling have on your life?

The Darjeeling that I grew up in was a quiet place with sublime natural beauty. That imparted a certain serenity and gentleness to the people. I hope I still have and can draw upon that serenity!

Berne, Mahe, Mexico, Dublin. Which of these did you like the most and why?

Liking a place could be for various reasons. For me as a diplomat, from the work point of view each was unique in its own way and presented challenges that made my stay both interesting and educative.

Switzerland when I there, was already one of the most prosperous countries in Europe. I had the opportunity to see how the authorities used their country's wealth to improve the quality of life for their people.

Seychelles was a one industry dependent economy and the country's effort to maintain its pristine environment on which its tourism depended was impressive.

Mexico lived through a rollercoaster experience when I was there; the Mexican economy took a steep plunge to rebound back quite remarkably all in a relatively short time.

Ireland is the Celtic tiger of the European Union turning in an astounding growth rate of about 10 per cent per annum. All these places had their own uniqueness and I value the experience that I have gained working there. I liked them all immensely and equally -- most -- if you must have that word.

What are the major changes you have witnessed in South Block since you joined as a young officer in 1964?

A lot has changed since 1964 -- but not only in South Block but in the government and in every day life and part of India. These change are reflected in the South Block also, I suppose. The ministry and service has grown. In those days when the service was much smaller (with fewer women) we used to look upon our seniors with great awe; and many of them were pioneers as it were, mind you. And many also carried the aura of belonging to the Indian Civil Service or being royalty etc.

Now the atmosphere is more egalitarian which I think is a good thing. Those days the IFS used to be the most sought after service as that was perhaps the only avenue for a young person to leave the shores of India to see the world; not any more. This too is good as it indicates that the system now provides other opportunities for the younger people. This is a very welcome development.

How does constant travel affect your relationship with your husband and daughter?

Actually you should ask them. Personally, I would think not. In any case, I was not married while I was posted in Berne. It was only the three years in Mahe that my family was away from me. In the other two stations either one member of my family was with me. I was lucky I would say.

What in your opinion is the most important issue that you would like to address after taking over as foreign secretary?

Ah, that I can decide only after I occupy the chair and assess the situation. It is premature for me to pronounce on that yet.

Design: Dominic Xavier

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